Meinhard Von Gerkan on GMP's entry into India

On architecture Architecture, like all arts, originates from the human desire to give form and shape to ideas. But unlike other arts it has a utilitarian aspect the physical maintenance of human beings. However, this aspect has produced the unfortunate distinction between buildings that are erected purely on utilitarian grounds and those constructed for a 'higher' aesthetic function. Interviewee:  Meinhard Von Gerkan

UK's zero carbon house plan

Uk's plan to create eco-towns across the country could soon be a dream-come-true. Housing minister Yvette Cooper has recently unveiled the country's first zero-carbon house and awarded a stamp duty exemption certificate to the prototype. The lighthouse is the most environmentally-friendly home yet built and the first to meet the highest standards laid out in the government's code for sustainable houses.

Rajasthan's <i>kund</i>s get undesirable makeover

People in Rajasthan's Churu district have to make do with an annual rainfall of 350 mm. The area's high evaporation rate -- 2,600 mm -- aggravates water scarcity. But the people have learnt to live with the scarcity. In Churu, as well as in other areas of Rajasthan such as Bikaner and Sikar, people harvest rainwater in kunds dome shaped structures over an underground tank surrounded with an artificially paved catchment sloping

Bricks, pavers from construction debris

Around 2,300 tonnes of construction waste is generated in Mumbai, everyday. Authorities in the country's financial capital have very little clue about how to deal with such staggering amounts of solid waste. In September 2005, the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (mcgm) did issue the Demolition and De-Silting Waste (Management and Disposal) guidelines. But there has been little enforcement at the field level.

World Bank to buy carbon credits to aid building material industry

as the trustee of the Community Development Carbon Fund, the World Bank has agreed to buy carbon credits from two Indian companies ostensibly to promote projects with better technologies in the building material industry. The construction sector in India is considered one of the most carbon intensive sectors representing about 17 per cent of India's carbon dioxide emissions.

Good housekeeping

Houses are a metaphor for a way of life, reflecting the social and economic background of the occupants. Rural economies, in their diversity and complexity, mirror subsistence strategies ranging from agriculture to foraging and fishing. And are interdependent parts of a whole. The dynamic links between the two involve continuous change and adjustment. Over-populated cities and poorly managed resources are causing the collapse of many a rural economy.

Payback

municipal authorities and the district administration at Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan seem to have woken up from a long slumber. The past two months saw hectic activity, with the authorities taking punitivemeasures against the illegal commercial activities going on right on the edge of the protected forest. Twenty-five structures were demolished last week because they were being used for commercial activities on agricultural land, without obtaining the requisite clearance.

The pucca LCM of growth

the pucca lcm, or lowest common multiple, of growth is a burnt-red rectangular object. It is 10 inches long, 5 inches broad and 3 inches wide. Wrought in clay dug out of prime agricultural land, it is born in a mould and achieves a speedy maturity in a furnace. Thereafter it is laden on a truck. It then migrates from the informal economy in which it was manufactured, @ Rs 900 to Rs 1,700 per thousand.

Buildings can cause sickness

Various types of allergies, bronchial asthma, diabetes, obesity, chronic fatigue syndrome, cancer, aids and tuberculosis have become almost endemic to our civilisation. Most even today take it for granted that at a certain age, one of these maladies will strike them. Is it possible that building designs -- along with modern living standards and habits -- have something to do with the state of our mental and physical health?

Making houses energy efficient

Our houses gobble up energy and spew out carbon dioxide. Shocking, but true. Buildings, primarily residential and commercial facilities, are responsible for approximately 35 per cent of us greenhouse gas (ghg) emissions. Ventilation and insulation are not given adequate emphasis in urban layouts. Consequently, urban sprawls manage to use more energy for air conditioning and warming.